Saturday, February 27, 2021

Nature As Spring Arrives

Spring in the desert is usually subtle, yet VERY PRETTY.

Acacia blossoms:

 

I've been walking twice per week at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, and it's been fun to see how things change slightly as spring progresses.  I know for many of you it's weird to see spring happening now (because you're still enjoying cozy and beautiful winter), but it's happening nonetheless!

Just looked this guy up, and he's a Fremont Thornbush or Wolfberry bush.


The bees love these flowers especially!


After a rain, I saw snow on Four Peaks!



Globe Mallow:



Baja Fairyduster:








Peaceful ducks:






One time while Cindy and I were walking this tunnel-like path, we heard this . . . 

COYOTES!
They must have been having a conference of some kind.


As different ponds are being filled, sometimes there are rushing streams.  This one was especially lovely along with the sunrise and birdsong.
 


Some Muscovies:

Cindy and I called them "chicken ducks" before we knew their real name!


A White-Crowned Sparrow:


Cute silly quail!



Ring-Necked Ducks:



Curved-Bill Thrasher:



Abert's Towhee:



Avocets & Ducks:



Coots!



Cute rabbit!



Northern Mockingbird:



Birdsong at sunset:


Sunset in our backyard:


Hope you enjoyed some glimpses of Spring's arrival here in the Arizona desert!

xo

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

SuperBowl Fun Plus Additional Fun



It's actually been a bit chilly around here (I'm definitely not complaining!)
We've had some gorgeous blue skies and lovely sunsets.
We don't usually have any clouds, but when we do, I love the patterns they make!










Of course, the cats are also naturals at bringing more beauty into our lives.





















We were happy to be able to spend some time with my parents for SuperBowl Sunday.  It was a surprising game for how one team completely seemed to dominate the other, but the best part was being together. It's hard not having family nearby most of the year, so we are always happy to have these 3 months when my parents are around.


There were interesting clouds that day.








Eating . . . 


I had fruit salad, potato ripple chips (my junk food favorite), and veggie burgers (brown rice and black bean patties on gluten-free buns).  Everything was delicious!



I took a short walk outside to watch the sun setting over the lake. ("Lake" being a generous word for what is a human-created pond dug in the desert.  It's still pretty and there's more wildlife than you'd think!)














My grocery store, Sprout's, is right across the lake!




My parents gave us a TV they no longer have space for, and we're planning to hang it in the bedroom.


What a fun day!  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the hospitality!

I dropped my plastic smoothie cup I used while walking and decided to buy the Beast.  It's available in lots of different colors and it's very sturdy.


Mine is 30 ounces!


I found this little sun pillow and some beautiful new flannel sheets at Target on clearance.  Winter's not even over and I got a good deal on flannel sheets I can still use - hooray!
I like how the small-scale pattern, the medium-scale pattern, and the large-scale pattern go together.





I also have been wearing this new top a LOT.  I love things with heart patterns, and this long sleeve t-shirt has cute little black & white hearts all over it.  It also has eyelet lace sleeve flounces!  They stick out from under sweaters and it makes me very happy.  Sometimes I'm pretty easy to please.




I wear it with this heart necklace my parents gave me over 25 years ago.


We finally got our new dishwasher!  It's not the one we planned to purchase, but it's pretty great.  The dishes get clean, it's quiet, and it's consistent!  Woo-hoo!  It's great not to have to hand-wash everything.


The old one got gone . . . 


I also found this amazing trash/recycling bin that fits perfectly by the end of our counter like it was made for us! 




My Mom and I "run errands" together almost every week.  This is code for getting stuff we need at Target, making any returns that need to be made, and browsing anywhere we feel like browsing.  Tomorrow we're planning to get some art supplies so that I can do some art with my nieces when they're down here in a couple of weeks (I'm nervous about them travelling, but I'm excited to see them!)



Last week we exchanged co2 cannisters for my SodaStream, got some stuff at Target, and went to Old Navy, where I found a men's pajama set in a cozy red flannel (very oversized) and a black hoodie.




It was the first outing of this adorable Vetta dress (convertible!)  I wore it with the v-neck in back and the long tier attached with sneakers.  I didn't end up needing the denim jacket because it was quite a warm day.




I love this color.





We had dinner all together that evening and the weather was nice enough to eat on my parents' patio.
Greg smirking after teasing my Mom:


Bean and rice and veggies for me!






BONUS: Allistair and I doing yoga together.  One of us (me) is a more active participant, but both of us enjoy it!



P.S.  I cleaned the closet!